Brit wins bronze at World Championships

Britain has won bronze in the FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships at SandringhamEstate, Norfolk (27-29 June).

Happy home crowd

It was the third time The Queen’s favourite country estatehas hosted a World Driving Championship. This year saw 24 competitors from eight nations battling it out over the three days.

In the Grade II Individual Mick Ward claimed bronze driving his 11 year-old black Welsh Cob-cross Toby, much to the delight of the home crowd.

The 2013 British Para-Driving Open Champions moved up from sixth place after the marathon, when he posted the second best score in the cones on the final day.

It was Germany’s Alexandra Röder who went home with gold. She led from the off with Evi, winning both the dressage competition and the marathon.

Despite having three knockdowns in the cones it was enough to give Alexandra her first individual gold. USA’s Robert Giles won silver.

Dream come true

“This is a dream come true,” said Alexandra. “Of course I knew I had medal chances but this was more than I ever expected.”

Germany also took gold in the team event, ahead of The Netherlands in silver position, while the USA won bronze. The British team, which comprised Mick Ward (Toby), Deborah Daniel (Valeside Galaxy) and Lindsey Tyas Paice (Trixie’s Silver Spirit), just missed out on a medal, to come fourth.

In the Grade I Individual, Dutch driver Jacques Poppen won gold, while the defending champion Heiner Lehrter had to settle for silver. Heiner’s German teammate Markus Beerhues won bronze.

Hand-in-Hand trophy

In addition to the World Championships teams of para-equestrian and able-bodied drivers competed forthe HRH Princess Haya Hand-in-Hand Trophy.

The trophy, donated by the FEI President, was won by para-driver Lindsey Tyas Paice (GBR) and Barry Capstick (IRE) – who competing in the CAI2* held at Sandringham at the same time as the championships.